The President of the Jury Edouard Cointreau called it "a delightful cookbook that will take the reader on a grand tour".

The news has blown my socks off. Gourmand is the only international competition in the food and wine industry, with 205 countries participating. Looking at the glossy works of art that have won previous awards I'm gobsmacked that my low-key collection of family recipes has made it this far. It's a testament to Mum's beautiful cooking and to the huge support that the book has enjoyed.

Its success has ultimately helped Doctors of the World in their vital work delivering medical aid to refugees worldwide, and I hope that this award will help to raise even more money for such a good cause.

The book will now compete in its category against winners in other countries for Best in the World, with the results announced at the awards ceremony in Yantai, China, in May.